1 / 6Devon packs an incredible amount into one county: sandy English Riviera beaches, wild Dartmoor moorland, world-class wildlife attractions and family theme parks all within easy reach. Whether you are after a rainy-day rescue or a sun-soaked adventure, these confirmed family-friendly days out cover every age and budget. Here are our favourite places to take the kids across Devon.
🎟️See things to do in Devon on GetYourGuide →Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is an 80-acre environmental park zoo in Paignton, home to more than 1,800 animals including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas and Rothschild's giraffes, all set within award-winning gardens. There is huge ground to roam, plus daily keeper talks and feeds, indoor tropical habitats and play areas that turn it into a full day of discovery for families, and under-3s go free.
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
In Torquay, Kents Cavern is one of Britain's most important Stone Age showcaves, with guided tours through 400-million-year-old rock chambers and displays of ancient human tools. The guided cave adventure stays at a constant 14C year round, and a Stone Age Zone, woodland trail and school-holiday events keep children engaged and excited whatever the weather.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Just outside Exeter at Clyst St Mary, Crealy is Devon's biggest family theme park, spread across 100 acres with over 60 rides and attractions, indoor adventure play, water slides and animal encounters. Rollercoasters, drop towers and water rides thrill older kids, while huge undercover soft play and gentle rides keep toddlers happy, so every age in the family is covered.
National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the UK's largest aquarium, with over 5,000 ocean animals across immersive habitats including a deep reef and shark tank. Sharks, rays and colourful reef life plus regular talks make it endlessly fascinating for curious young visitors, and a free 12-month return pass with every ticket makes it superb value for local families.
Babbacombe Model Village
Set in Babbacombe near Torquay, this four-acre attraction is a miniature England packed with thousands of tiny figures, animated scenes, model railways and even a fire-breathing dragon. Spot-the-detail fun, animated moving models, illuminated after-dark scenes and summer reptile-handling sessions make it a gentle, absorbing outing that younger children adore.
World of Country Life
In Exmouth, World of Country Life combines friendly farm animals, a deer-safari train ride, vintage exhibits, and both indoor and outdoor play areas plus a pets corner. Hands-on animal feeding, the deer train safari and bespoke adventure playgrounds give little ones an easy, happy full day of fun whatever the forecast.
Haytor & Dartmoor National Park
Haytor is a dramatic, easily accessed granite tor within Dartmoor National Park, with clear paths, nearby parking and sweeping moorland views. It is free to visit, with safe lower rocks for scrambling, ponies to spot, picnic spots and letterboxing treasure hunts, making it a classic budget family day out in the heart of Devon's wild landscape.
Torquay Coastal Explorer Boat Trip
Departing from Torquay harbour, the Coastal Explorer is a guided one-hour sightseeing boat trip along the English Riviera coastline. It is a short, exciting sea outing with lovely coastal scenery and the chance to spot seabirds and wildlife, ideally suited to a family half-day out on the water.
Tips for a family day out
- Book popular attractions like Kents Cavern and boat trips in advance, especially during school holidays, to guarantee your preferred time slot.
- Mix indoor and outdoor plans so you have a rainy-day backup ready; the aquarium, caves and model village all work well when the weather turns.
- Pack layers and sturdy shoes for Dartmoor and Haytor, and check parking before you set off as popular spots fill quickly on sunny days.
- Look out for free under-3s entry and free return passes, which can make bigger attractions much better value for growing families.
FAQs
What are the best family days out in Devon for toddlers?
World of Country Life in Exmouth and Crealy near Exeter both have gentle rides, soft play and animal encounters aimed squarely at little ones, while Babbacombe Model Village offers a calm, engaging outing. Many attractions also offer free entry for under-3s.
Which Devon attractions are good for a rainy day?
Kents Cavern's cave tours stay at a constant temperature year round, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is fully indoors, and Crealy has extensive undercover play, so all three make excellent wet-weather choices.
Are there free family days out in Devon?
Yes. Haytor and the wider Dartmoor National Park are free to visit, with safe rocks to scramble on, ponies to spot and treasure-hunt style letterboxing, making them a great budget-friendly day out.
🎟️ Top things to do in Devon
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